[Digital Daily, Reporter Lee Sang-il] On February 10, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, chaired by President Lee Jae-myung, presented the progress of developing the South Korean Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (hereafter AI Action Plan) to the Cabinet.
The meeting emphasized the importance of “One-Team” cooperation that transcends departmental interests and the need for flexible organizational management. Fair Trade Commission Chairman Joo Byeong-ki stressed, “Fair trade practices and empowering creators are crucial for AI industry growth. The FTC’s involvement in crafting the AI Action Plan is vital.” Gender Equality and Family Minister Won Min-kyung noted, “Many external voices point out the lack of gender-equal policy proposals. We’ll work to ensure gender equality values persist in an AI-driven society.”
When Vice Chairman Lim Moon-young of the National AI Strategy Committee mentioned the 60-member limit set by the Basic AI Act, President Lee Jae-myung directed, “Use executive orders if needed. Increase membership if necessary. Don’t be constrained by law; focus on practical operations.” Lim responded, “We’ll incorporate input from the FTC, Ministry of Gender Equality, and Financial Services Commission through subcommittees and advisory panels.”
Discussions also covered data governance, a critical AI infrastructure. Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said, “We’ve entered the ‘Physical AI’ era where experts handle data. We’ll establish governance in partnership with the National Data Agency.” National Data Agency head Ahn Hyung-jun added, “We’re preparing government-wide governance to ensure citizens can trust and easily use data.”
The committee is mobilizing public and private resources to develop an AI strategy. Like the U.S., which established a federal framework through its AI Action Plan last July, and China, which aims to lead international standards with its AI Global Governance Action Plan, South Korea seeks to strengthen its position in the global AI landscape.
The AI Action Plan aims to propel South Korea into the top three AI nations. It comprises three policy pillars and twelve strategic areas, focusing on fostering an AI innovation ecosystem, nationwide AI-driven transformation, and contributing to a global AI society. The plan outlines 99 implementation tasks and 326 policy recommendations, with key ministries taking lead roles. Legislative tasks include 20 laws and 4 executive orders.
Vice Chairman Lim Moon-young explained, “After three months of intensive discussions, we drafted the plan last November. Through consultations with over 330 organizations, we finalized 99 implementation tasks and 326 policy initiatives.” The plan details departmental policy recommendations, timelines, and specific legislative actions.
The AI innovation ecosystem pillar focuses on expanding AI infrastructure like GPUs and NPUs, developing AI data centers, securing AI foundation models, and reforming AI regulations. Notably, it aims to balance creator rights and AI learning through copyright law amendments and introduce a white-hat hacker system for proactive security.
The nationwide AI transformation pillar targets AI integration across industries, public services, and regions. Key initiatives include an AI-powered civil service platform, AI-driven government operations, streamlined welfare services, modernized defense AI procurement, public AI ethics standards, and regional AI transformation models. The Interior and Science ministries plan to establish a government-wide AI foundation linked to domestic AI models and semiconductors by Q4 2026.
The global AI society contribution pillar includes developing an inclusive AI society plan, promoting AI ethics, enhancing AI-based welfare and care, addressing AI-related crimes, reducing AI education gaps, and building global AI partnerships. The government aims to finalize the AI Society Plan by Q4 2026, ensuring equitable AI benefits for all citizens.
The twelve strategic areas encompass AI infrastructure development, next-gen AI technology leadership, AI talent acquisition, AI model development, regulatory innovation, industrial and public sector AI transformation, regional AI integration, AI-driven cultural advancement, AI-enhanced national defense, basic AI society creation, and global AI initiative implementation.
The committee plans to approve the final AI Action Plan at its second plenary meeting. Subsequently, it will monitor departmental progress and focus on delivering tangible results for citizens.
Most Commented